Citation

Rafal G, Gatto A, DeBate R. J. Am. Coll. Health 2018; 66(4): 284-291.

Affiliation

c Associate Vice-President Health & Wellness, Professor, College of Public Health , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2018.1434780

PMID

29419361

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Mental health literacy (MHL) is low in college-aged males potentially resulting in impaired mental wellbeing. This study assessed MHL, psychosocial determinants, and help-seeking behaviors among male university students. PARTICIPANTS: Male undergraduate and graduate students were surveyed in Spring 2017 (n = 1 242) at a large southeastern university in the US.

METHODS: Pre-existing validated scales for MHL, psychosocial determinants, and help-seeking intention were used in measurement and demographic variables were collected. T-tests and one-way ANOVA were performed to measure differences between groups.

RESULTS: Participants showed low scores for all constructs with statistically significant differences between undergraduate and graduate students as well as between races and major classifications. Undergraduate males had poor MHL and low intentions to seek professional care.

CONCLUSIONS: Interventions focusing on increasing mental health knowledge and improving beliefs can improve MHL among male college students. Further, interventions should be tailored for racial groups and major classifications.

Language: en

Keywords

College student; Intention to seek help; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Literacy; Stigma